Walking On Sunshine: Exploring The Magic Of Vietnam’s Golden Hand Bridge!

BY  Ankita Mar 25, 2024

If you're finally on vacation in Florence, you'll definitely want to know how to enjoy your trip at night as well. Here in the evening, it is mostly the piazzas, clubs, and restaurants that come alive, all perfect places to discover another face of the city. 5 Things To Do In The Evenings While Travel To Florence Florence is a city that deserves to be experienced even when the sun goes down. While during the day it is interesting to wander around visiting monuments and attractions, in the evening, it is more pleasant to slow down and enjoy its beauty at a leisurely pace. Moving well in advance and choosing the best Florence hotel deals will give you the chance to find the most convenient lodging in the center, so you can move around in comfort and with ease, even in the evening. That said, here are 5 things to do in Florence as the sun goes down. Treating Yourself To A Tuscan Dinner: Travel To Florence Top Attraction  You can't say you've been to Florence without treating yourself at least once to a delicious dinner in full Tuscan style. Take advantage of your vacation to also explore the food and wine side of this city and choose one of the many restaurants where you can try typical local appetizers, first courses, main courses, and desserts. Among the traditional dishes, you are sure to find the famous Florentine steak, lampredotto, ribollita, tripe, schiacciata, and delicious Santucci. Accompany your dinner with an excellent glass of local wine. At the end of your meal, you can also end the evening with a delicious Italian gelato, which you can try at one of the many gelato shops dotting the center. Related: Best Places To Visit In Italy Taking A Walk Along The Arno River After Dinner Walking around without following a specific itinerary is one of the best experiences to have in the evening in Florence, especially after dinner when there are less people around. At this time of day, the city is truly magical and can show you another aspect of its beauty. It is a must for your travel to Florence.  One of the most striking points to reach is Ponte Vecchio, from which you can admire the Arno and the surrounding landscape. The famous jewelry stores will surely be closed, but this makes the bridge the main protagonist of the scene. You can take advantage of the moment to take memorable souvenir photos and capture the view from a different perspective. Travel To Florence And Admie The Duomo Without Crowds One of the best times to reach Piazza del Duomo is definitely in the evening. After sunset, the square begins to empty out, and admiring the Duomo in all its magnificence becomes even more impressive. You can also decide to reach the square in time for the sunset: admiring it from the top of the Dome or from Giotto's Bell Tower is impressive. Chilling Out In Piazza Della Signoria Piazza della Signoria is one of the most beautiful squares in the evening. Located a stone's throw away from the Uffizi Gallery, it is a great place to spend a few hours, if only to sit and admire the many wonders it houses. In fact, it is one of the city's main squares, home to the seat of civic power and the copy of the David. It is also one of the most popular gathering spots for tourists because of its elegant outdoor cafes and monuments. Visit The Academy Gallery With An Evening Tour Finally, it might be a good idea to take an evening tour of the Accademia Gallery so you can see the original statue of Michelangelo's David. In fact, there are guided tours that also start in the late afternoon, around 5 p.m., so you can avoid the crowds that invade the museum during daylight hours. There are also other attractions that give you the opportunity to join tours like this, such as the Uffizi Gallery or Palazzo Vecchio. Things To Know About Florence When planning to visit Florence during your holidays, you must have an idea of the evening life and the whole thing. This particular section provides a little discussion regarding Florence as a city. Cost Of Living If you wish to stay there for a week, the hotels will do it, but if you intend to stay longer, you must know the market prices. The groceries, restaurants, and transport prices are quite affordable in Florene compared to other major European cities. However, leisure activities can be quite costly. Therefore, you must take additional precautions and prepare for the stay budget there. The cost of renting the flats bank is in the area where you want to live. You can even find rent as low as  900 Euros in San Nicolo! Shopping While You Travel To Florence To Save Money Don’t get disheartened about finding the price of food products in Florence. Supermarkets like COOP and SISA are great places to shop for your daily requirements, there. There, you can find farmers’ markets in Florence. In the local shops, you will be able to find good deals for the day. It can give you good savings. You can easily enjoy bulk shopping and get cheaper deals compared to supermarkets.  What Are The Best Neighborhoods For Expats In Florence? When you intend to stay for a few days in Florence, you definitely understand the local culture. Living in the safest and best neighborhood will be the best choice. The district is on the south side of the Arno River. It is known for its massive art galleries, restaurants, and antique shops. These are the places where you find yourself close to the culture of Florence.  Mention needs to be made of the Duomo neighborhood. This is the place for those fascinated with old things and historic neighborhoods. The place is located right in the heart of the city. Moreover, it has become one of the prime spots for tourists. Apart from them, you have the San Marco neighborhood, which has a lot of similar characters.  Read Also: Unlocking The Secrets: Key Ingredients In Italian Cuisine Which Is The Best Time To Visit Auli? – Travel Guide

BY  Abdul Aziz Nov 15, 2023

Taking a vacation by the ocean is a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. However, simply visiting the beach for a day leaves little opportunity to truly unwind. Opting to stay at a beach hotel allows fully immersing in the coastal atmosphere. Quality accommodations near the surf provide an ideal home base for exploring the area. Checkout Seven Prime Advantages Of Staying At A Beach Hotel Here are 7 key advantages to booking a room right on the sand. 1. Ultimate Convenience And Access To The Water Staying steps from the ocean at a beach hotel like Princess Bayside Beach Hotel ensures the greatest ease and flexibility. Waking up to stunning views and walking right outside to enjoy activities is unmatched. Guests can slip down to the shore whenever inspiration strikes without needing transport. Concierges also offer beach chairs, towels, and other amenities for maximum relaxation. Simply step out the door for a morning swim or easy sunset stroll. 2. All Inclusive Meals And Activities Many beach hotels provide all-inclusive packages covering dining, drinks, and water sports. Options save guests money versus paying out of pocket each time. Families appreciate scheduled kids' programs too. All-day access means never having to leave for meals or miss storm-watching from cozy indoor areas. Some properties even hold cooking classes, live music, and cultural presentations enhancing the experience. Packages ensure making the most of every beach moment. 3. Exceptional Service And Amenities High-end beachfront resorts understand vacationers desire premier customer service and nice touches. The attentive staff takes care of every need from laundry to beach equipment delivery. Most five-star properties offer top-tier dining, pools, spas, fitness centers, and entertainment. Special requests get addressed promptly. Luxurious beds, bath products, and indoor/outdoor spaces pamper guests relaxing in style right at the shoreline. 4. Picturesque Natural Surroundings Spending days immersed in stunning ocean vistas and natural coastal beauty recharges the soul. Waking to the sunrise sparkling on waves or watching seabirds soar relaxes the mind. Exploring rock pools, dunes, and coastal trails offers adventures. Strolling along pristine sands offers unique seascapes, landscapes, and wildlife glimpses impossible anywhere else. Gentle ocean sounds lull guests to peaceful slumbers every night in these special environments. 5. Convenience For Beaches, Activities, And Local Exploration Well-located beach hotels provide the perfect launch point for fun. Walking or short drives access many area attractions versus long commutes. Guests easily zip between surfing lessons, whale-watching trips, shopping, and sightseeing on a whim. Concierges offer area expertise too. Centrally situated properties allow leisurely days focusing on the beach or active touring at nearby parks, fishing charters, and cultural sites. Related: A Guide To Traverse City Beach – 10 Best Beaches To Explore 6. Families Appreciate Kid-Friendly Amenities Beach vacations with children require certain comforts. Top resorts meet needs with kids' pools, clubs, game rooms, and more. Parents rest easy knowing children stay busy and safe. Spacious suites let families spread out comfortably. All food service, babysitting, and activity coordination means relaxation even with young visitors. Being right on the sand also provides instant family entertainment together whenever schedules permit. 7. Romance And Celebrations Couples and groups seeking an idyllic backdrop choose beach hotels for sentimental trips. Private in-room jets and whirlpool tubs coupled with stunning ocean panoramas set an intimate mood. Many feature top-rated restaurants perfect for romantic dinners overlooking the surf. Resorts also cater weddings, vow renewals, anniversaries, and other special occasions magnificently. Guests build lasting memories in these dream coastal settings. Read Also: The Best Hotels In Mexico City For A Frida Kahlo Pilgrimage Best Beaches In Costa Rica For Family Vacation 10 Best Nude Beaches In The World

BY  Sibashree Jan 28, 2026

Malacca gave me pieces of history, an insane fusion of cultures and cuisine that I can still remember now, and plenty of tourist attractions with meaning behind them.  There are many similarities between Georgetown, Penang, and Malacca – I hear that line all the time – but Malacca has a quieter atmosphere that you can feel when you walk through the streets. For starters, Georgetown and Malacca are both UNESCO World Heritage sites. You have no excuse not to visit either of these cities.  Malacca is located right between Singapore and KL, and it’s also a convenient spot to visit if you’re going to be in the area. Alright, no excuses. Need to visit Malacca in a day? Yes, you can definitely visit it on a day trip if you’re coming from Kuala Lumpur. I’ve also compiled a list of things to do in Malacca! How To Reach Malacca? Malacca can be found on the southeastern coast of Malaysia. The city lies nearly midway between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, though it is slightly nearer to KL.  Buses to Malacca operate from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, in addition to routes from Penang. You can also catch buses directly from KL Airport if you prefer not to spend time traveling there.  As I stated, taking a day trip from KL to Malacca is quite simple. How To Get Around Malacca? Although walking was my favored way to navigate Malacca, there are other alternatives available.  You can effortlessly arrange light-up rickshaws, taxis, and Grab ride shares to navigate the city.  If you’re coming to Malacca by bus, check if your hotel offers a free shuttle, as mine does.  If not, since Malaka Sentral is 3km away from Jonker Street, you'll have to use a taxi or take the local bus. Where To Stay In Malacca? Determining accommodation in Malacca should be straightforward if you concentrate on Chinatown.  There is no shortage of budget accommodations in Malacca, and I happily recommend Hotel Hong.  Simple and affordable, the employees were pleasant, and it was located in a fascinating neighborhood near the community mosque.  It contributed to making my time in Malacca a pleasant experience. What Are The Unique Things To Do In Malacca? Malacca's diverse cultures have influenced its captivating history, food, and architecture.  There are numerous activities in Malacca that allow you to discover these aspects of the city even more. View these eight as your foundation. 1. Exploring The Dutch Square Dutch Square is likely the ideal location to begin a visit to Malacca as it lies at the heart of the city's historic center.  Situated by the city's riverbank, this square is visually striking and carries historical importance.  At the center of Dutch Square lies a lively garden and fountain that are pleasant, but the stunning Dutch colonial buildings surrounding this square are the true highlight.  Painted uniformly in an earthy red hue, it's improbable you ever envisioned Malaysia resembling this.  However, Malaysia has many reminders of its colonial history, just like Malacca. This assortment of reminders truly possesses an impressive appearance. The primary attractions of Dutch Square include the Stadthuys, Christ Church Melaka, and the Malacca Clock Tower.  All were constructed in the 17th century by Dutch settlers, thus the square's name.  The Stadthuys, previously the home of the Governor, now contains an ethnographic museum. 2. Climbing To St. Paul’s Church As you ascend the side of the Stadthuys, you ought to notice a tiny staircase leading up the hill a little.  As you progress along this path, you’ll make your way to the summit of the hill and the atmospheric remains of St Paul’s Church.  The remnants of this roofless church hold a prominent position atop St Paul’s Hill, offering views across much of Malacca.  It's not a very challenging hike, and the church serves as a natural pause along the Malacca sights trail. Originally constructed by the Portuguese in the 1500s, it was harmed, restored, and renamed by the Dutch when they seized Malacca in the 1600s.  For more than a hundred years, the church has remained in decay, its stained walls serving as a testament to Malacca's intricate history. Additional reminders can be discovered by taking the northern route down from St Paul’s Hill, where you will come across several tombstones and the Dutch Graveyard. 3. Exploring A Famosa Before the Dutch came, Malacca was a fortified settlement of the Portuguese known as A Famosa. Numerous walls and fortifications from A Famosa were destroyed during the Dutch conquest, but Portuguese traces remain in several sites. Among the defenses, only the Porta de Santiago gate is still preserved. Capturing a picture here is undoubtedly one of the most popular pastimes in Malacca. 4. Taking A Tour Of The Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum Let’s not forget that before European settlers showed up, people were already living here.  The Malacca Sultanate ruled this area for over a century before the Portuguese ever set foot on these shores. When the Portuguese landed in the early 1500s, they didn’t waste any time. They tore down the sultan’s palace and put up St Paul’s Church right where it stood. Now, if you walk around Malacca, you’ll come across what looks like a real Sultanate Palace. Here’s the thing: it’s not the original.  The Melaka Sultanate Palace you see today is a detailed reconstruction from the 1980s. The reconstruction work took the old records as a guide.  Inside, there’s a museum that really dives into the culture and history of the city. Stroll through the gardens or check out the museum’s exhibits—you’ll see plenty about local traditions, clothing, legends, and more.  Honestly, it’s one of the most interesting spots to visit if you want to get a real feel for Malacca’s past. 5. Seeing The Melaka Riverfront Although there are more famous attractions in Malacca, the river undeniably stands as the city's primary landmark.  Winding through the larger city before dividing the Old Town from the colonial areas, the Melaka River is difficult to overlook.  When Malacca was a prominent port city, the river played a role in its prosperity. Nowadays, it fulfills its role by providing guests with river cruises and beautiful views. 6. Eating At Jonker Street Undoubtedly, no street in Malacca is more renowned than Jonker Street.  While it often appears to be just a primary road in the Old Town, the atmosphere shifts significantly on Friday and Saturday nights.  You see, that’s when the renowned Jonker Street night market takes place, and the street transforms into a crowd of people and food vendors.  Naturally, with my luck, I ended up overlooking this important attraction entirely by visiting at the wrong point in the week.  The Jonker Street night market is an excellent spot to sample traditional local Nyonya dishes along with innovative new foods.  To get a sense of what’s available, try the food here.  7. Wandering Through Old Chinatown However, the Old Town of Malacca offers much more than merely Jonker Street. Venture in any direction from this point and you'll quickly discover tighter streets, where each home exudes unique charm.  Half Chinatown and half Old Town, this district reveals another aspect of Malacca’s cultural blend.  Most impressively, distanced from the hustle of other areas in Malacca, strolling through this more tranquil section of the city allows you to absorb all the intricacies.  Although many of these historic residences feature weathered exteriors, several are completely deserted.  But isn’t that character, though? In any case, the softer atmosphere here is evident, with individuals simply going about their daily routines and extending a cheerful wave.  Malaysia can be chaotic and noisy at times, making my walks here distinctly memorable.  8. Visiting The Cheng Hoon Teng Temple Walk around the streets of Malacca’s Chinatown, and you’ll spot plenty of temples—no surprise there.  But it’s not just Chinese temples lining the streets. You’ll also find mosques and Hindu temples mixed in, which gives the area this cool, unexpected blend. In Malacca, Cheng Hoon Teng Temple stands out above the rest.  It sits right across from another temple, Xiang Lin Si, but Cheng Hoon Teng is the one with the real history behind it. They built it back in the mid-1600s, which actually makes it the oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia. When you look at all the intricate details, the carvings, and the roof ornaments, it’s wild to think how well everything’s held up after all these years. Cheng Hoon Teng does not belong to just one religion.  Inside, you’ll find people practicing Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism, all under one roof. That kind of mix is rare, and it gives the temple a unique energy you don’t see everywhere. Other Places You Can Add To Your Itinerary In Malacca Although I’ve mentioned the most remarkable and significant activities to engage in Malacca, they aren't the sole options.  Malacca hosts numerous other cultural sites, featuring a variety of museums. However, it also features a playful aspect, ranging from its Upside Down House to the Taming Sari Tower to the Oceanarium.  Generally, you will primarily remain in locations close to Chinatown or Dutch Square. Read Also: Luang Prabang Temple Guide: What Are The Top Buddhist Temples To Visit In Laos? 5 Top Bangkok Attractions to Add to Your Itinerary 5 Best Temples To Visit In Bangkok